Researchers have found quality early learning cuts down on crime, but today a law enforcement group reported not only does it fight crime, but it cuts special education costs.

The new report said if Washington State spent $600 million to give all families access to quality pre-kindergarten programs it could save up to $120 million a year in special education spending later in school. These savings could double when reductions in grade retention and improvements in learning environments are added, according to the analysis.

Research shows that making quality early learning programs available to all children can greatly reduce the need for special education – with reductions in special education costs ranging from 6 percent to as much as 48 percent, depending on the programs and the students. – “High-Quality Early Learning: Cutting Crime and Saving Washington Up to $240 Million a Year in Education Costs,” Fight Crime: Invest in Kids Washington. 9/15/10. (See report for footnotes.)

A group of law enforcement officers released this report, so it also focused on how children who attended quality child care and pre-k were less likely to commit crimes and go to prison later in life. In fact, one group of children who were not part of an early intervention program in Chicago “were70 percent more likely to be arrested for a violent crime by age 18.”

This report, which is the latest to highlight research on how a good start in early education can reduce crime, comes at a critical time, as policymakers struggle to balance Washington’s budget.

This analysis says cutting quality early learning is the wrong idea.

Law enforcement leaders are convinced that high-quality early learning is a wise investment for Washington that will save money and make our communities safer. “High-Quality Early Learning.”